Having a dependable doctor is crucial for addressing your major health concerns and managing your ongoing wellness.

Whether you are experiencing health issues, have relocated to a new community, or simply want to switch to a different health-care provider, try these simple steps to select the best option for you.

Assess your needs

Determine which type of doctor you need based on your current health, such as a primary care doctor or a specialist. If you don’t currently have a family doctor or internal medicine physician, consider starting there. Lean on them for all your health needs, including referrals to other providers; depending on your insurance, starting with primary care may be required.

Check your health insurance 

Review your policy to determine which doctors are in-network so you can avoid significant out-of-pocket costs. Most insurers have online directories that allow you to search for board-certified doctors in your area who accept your plan.

Ask for recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with their doctors. Online review sites like Healthgrades and Zocdoc can also provide insights into real patients’ personal experiences. Use these details to make a short list ordered by ranking; you can start at the top and save the rest as potential backups.

Schedule a consultation

After selecting a doctor to try, reach out to make your first appointment, noting the ease or difficulty of the scheduling process. Do they offer the flexibility of reserving online? What are their cancellation policies? Most importantly, consider the physician’s appointment availability before you decide to book.

Trust your instincts 

Note your gut feelings about the doctor during your appointment. Are they attentive and sensitive to your concerns? Do you feel comfortable speaking with them? If your experience is negative, turn to the next option on your list and go through the same process to evaluate them. Once you can answer such questions affirmatively, congratulations! You’ve found a trustworthy physician you can return to for your future health-care needs.